04 July 2023 , 11:12
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Bayern Munich manager Thomas Tuchel has entered the race to sign Liverpool target Khephren Thuram.
Jurgen Klopp's side have been heavily linked with a move for the 22-year-old this summer as the Reds attempt to strengthen their ranks ahead of the new season. Liverpool have already signed two midfielders in the form of Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai, but could add another.
Thuram is one of the most highly-rated young midfielders on the planet at the moment after impressing for Nice last term. The 22-year-old was also named in the Ligue 1 Team of the Season for his efforts.
But Liverpool aren't the only club who have shown interest in the France international. According to L'Equipe, Bayern have made contract with Thuram over a potential move this summer.
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp (Getty Images)Although Bayern have spoken to Thuram, the report claims the club have not yet approached Nice. Thomas Tuchel is ready to bolster his midfield, despite signing Konrad Laimer on a free transfer from RB Leipzig. Marcel Sabitzer is also set to return after his six-month loan spell at Manchester United ended.
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The interest comes after Tuchel was "irritated" about comparisons to Klopp in Germany, according to former Mainz head of football Axel Schuster. In an interview with Goal, Schuster revealed: "It didn't annoy him, it irritated him - for two reasons. Firstly, because he was often portrayed in public as a Klopp pupil. That's not true at all, the two were never at Mainz at the same time.
"Secondly, because comparisons were usually only made in the area in which Klopp has his absolute strengths: closeness to the people. Klopp makes people feel very close to him, even when they aren't.
Khephren Thuram has been linked with a move to Bayern Munich and Liverpool (Getty Images)"Tuchel, on the other hand, exhausts himself in his original work as a coach in such a way that apart from that he only has energy for his family. He then no longer has the energy to present himself as close to the people.
"On the other hand, no comparisons were made where Tuchel performed better than Klopp: hard facts such as points or table positions."
As for Liverpool's pursuit of Thuram, the Reds have met with Thuram's representatives but haven't made an official offer. The Reds have spent around £95m on Mac Allister and Szoboszlai, with Klopp keen to improve his squad after finishing fifth in the Premier League last season.
As it stands, Thuram will not be playing European football next term following Nice's disappointing ninth-place finish. He could be tempted to make the switch to Merseyside, despite the fact Liverpool will not be competing in the Champions League next season.